Hanging Bird Feeder & Bird Houses Kits(TWC of America $16 Score:) These beautifully crafted pine kits with rounded edges and predrilled holes make them hands down the best birdhouse kits for kids on the market. Kids will be more invested in bird watching if they have a hand in constructing the kits to attract the birds. Younger kids can help with the decoration or hammering, but even older kids will need adult assistance. Also great: Feeder with plexi-glass windows ($20); Bird house ($16). 8 & up.

Betty's Begin to Sew Sets(Quincrafts $4.99 Score:) Small affordable kits for trying out a variety of needle crafts. This is a good way to develop kids fine motor skills, the dexterity needed for penmanship. Once they make these beanbags they can play with them too. The bean bag sets feature a Dolphin or Butterfly and come with plastic safety needle and precut holes for easy sewing. 5 and up. For more advanced sewers, Make Your Own Teddy Bear ($7.99) makes a very pleasing 9 inch bear. 8 and up.

Harrisville Easy Weaver(Harrisville $89 Score:) For a large loom, consider this handsome wooden loom which comes pre-threaded with projects that slip right onto the loom. Since the projects are predesigned this is less open-ended than an empty loom, but it guides the beginner to success. Refill kits are also available. ($25.95). 7 & up.

I Made My Telescope (Kahoot $13 Score:) Testers have consistently loved this series of hands-on science kits. I Made My Telescope (in ten easy steps, really!) calls for reading and following directions. When the deed is done you have a low powered scope that can be used for several activities suggested in the booklet. Great parent/child projects for 5s to 7s or solo for 8 and up. Also top-rated,
I Made My Microscope and I Made My Periscope. 770-704-6009

I Made My Kaleidoscope(Kahoot $13 Score:) Kids make their own Kaleidoscope with unbreakable Mylar mirrors and an end piece that can be loaded with ever-changing contents. Great parent/child projects for 5s to 7s or solo for 8 and up. Also top-rated, I Made My Microscope and I Made My Periscope 770-704-6009

Musical Jewelry Box (Alex $19.99 Score:) Originally a Platinum Award winner in 2000, this box has been updated (with extra bling). This is the quintessential jewelry box with a spinning ballerina inside. Comes with sparkling gems to glue on top and a frou-frou tutu of pink tulle on a hot pink ribbon to attach to the box. A very girlie-girlie gift, but likely to win the oo-oohs and ah-h-h-hs of beginners. The box is finished in pink so there's not a lot to do, but it's showy and quick. 6 & up.

Silk Painting Art Kit(Alex $25 Score:) Kids can transform two 9" x 45" pure silk scarves with special dyes, bamboo brush and salts for sealing in truly delicate designs. This makes a nice gift for a friend or relative with all the fun of making it by the giver. Adult supervision required for this somewhat messy project. We suggest doing it outdoors.

Create Your Own Scrapbook(Creativity for Kids $20 Score:) Kids are great collectors, and having a scrapbook is one way to get their collectibles organized. Kit includes a notebook, markers, stickers, paper, glue, color foam pieces, plastic sleeves, and ideas. 6 and up.

PegLoom(Harrisville $19.95 Score:) (Harrisville Designs $19.95)A small over/under loom with large needle, is also a good choice for true beginners. 5 & up. For a larger loom, consider Harrisville Easy Weaver ****($89), which comes pre-threaded with projects that slip right onto the loom. Refill kits ($25.95).